Dates set for Doheny Menehune Surf Championships

Doheny Longboard Surfing Association selects date for 12th Annual Menehune Surf Championships at Doheny State Beach

The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association (DLSA) will be holding its 12th Annual Menehune Contest on Saturday, June 28, 2008 at Doheny State Beach in Dana Point, Calif. The contest begins promptly at 7 AM PDT and is open to boys and girls of all ages with divisions for 8 and under on up to 17 years of age. Hundreds of young competitors are expected to participate in addition to the many spectators that will line the famed Doheny State Park beach front. Applications and additional information can be picked up at local surf shops throughout Orange County, California or downloaded from the Association’s website at: www.Dohosurf.org.

"The annual Menehune contest provides the perfect venue for kids that would like to get involved in some friendly surfing competition in a “no pressure” arena. The fun and energy that the kids bring to the beach is contagious”, said Jack Sutter, president of the Doheny Longboard Surfing Association.

Proceeds from the contest help fund several of the organization's ongoing charity outreach programs including the Ronald McDonald House and the local Doheny State Park Interpretive Center.

The program has a long history of supporting charities, while also providing a fun-filled day at the beach for participants and observers alike. The event will feature auctions, raffles and music throughout the day with an awards ceremony following the end of the competition. Jack Sutter further states, “At its core, surfing is all about having fun. Through events like this, we hope that kids will cherish their time spent on the beach with their fellow surfing friends and families.”

The program starts 7 AM sharp Saturday morning. Surfers will compete in 15 minute heats with scoring based on a 10-point system that integrates wave selection, length of ride, surfing moves and style. Judges are all Doheny Longboard members who have a long history of working within this type of scoring system.

For more information and to find out how you can be involved as either a surfing Menehune or as a volunteer, please email MC250C@aol.com, fax (949) 581-1158 or call (949) 581-9740 the event chairperson.

The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association is an organization comprised of individuals dedicated to the enjoyment of board surfing in a clean and natural environment. In relation to that philosophy, the DLSA will act as a support group to other organizations with similar views and objectives.

PR contact: Denny Michael at DLSA10@hotmail.com

RIP Woody Brown

Woody Brown : photo courtesy David L. Brown Passages in time Famed big wave surfer Woody Brown dies at 96 Woody Brown : photo courtesy David L. Brown Woody Brown talking on the porch in 1994 : photo courtesy Miya/LegendarySurfers.com Report courtesy of www.mauinews.com. For more info on Woody check LengendarySurfers.com

Somewhere South

The Glow of the Rincon trail

Cardiac Classic

The 2008 running of DLSA’s Cardiac Classic serves up fun!

March 8^th was a day to remember. The sun came out early and we all met at Doheny’s infamous Rivermouth area to begin what would become one of our best days of surfing this year. No, the waves were not spectacular but the camaraderie and good vibes were. Friends and families had plenty of great sun for watching the competition and we were blessed with virtually no wind the entire day.

The Cardiac Classic is held every year and is open to all members of DLSA. This is a traveling event and held in all types of weather, all types of conditions and locations, even down to Baja a couple of years ago. No matter if it’s rain or shine - we take to the waves.

From a competitors perspective our club’s motto, “Surfings a dance and the wave always leads”, could not have been more true during this year’s classic. You really had to let the wave lead and take your best options to place well in your heats. At times there were plenty of waves to go around and at other times you had to position yourself where you felt you could pick up some points. In every heat a few choice sets would lumber through and if you had luck on your shoulder you just might score a nice long ride.

Highlights from my perspective were the well matched Mens A class and the Womens A final that showcased great surfing from everyone. The Junior Men featured a broad spectrum of surfing styles and ages. We had kids at 11 years old holding their own against 29 year olds. It was really fun to watch. I remember my youngest son Deano saying to me once he saw who he was in the final with “O my gosh dad that guy has a beard”!!!

After the finals we all gathered to relax and wind up the day with a game of horseshoes and a great buffet O’Hana style.

Wind Machine

Trestles Wrap

Extreme Surf Legends Mickey Munoz, George Carr and Gary Stellern

Gathering of the Tribes 12th Annual Longboard

Surf Contest Comes to a Close

SAN ONOFRE, Calif. January 14th, 2008 – The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association’s 12^th annual Gathering of the Tribes Longboard Contest came to a close this past Sunday afternoon with an amazing series of hotly contested finals at Church Beach in San Onofre. The closing action in this 12 year old classic event featured several surprise performances and great clutch surfing.

In the very close girls 14 and under final, Kirra Kehoe of the Malibu Board Riders edged out Tory Gilkerson of the Doheny club for first place with a series of closely linked longboard moves and great wave selection. The Extreme Legends final featured aggressive surfing from Mickey Munoz of the Doheny club and Gary Stellen and George Carr of the Malibu Surfing Association. The waves over the sunny weekend could not have been better and consisted of everything from 4 to 7 foot glassy perfection to overhead set waves.

Volunteers from Surfrider Foundation and the Save Trestles campaign were on hand to educate the many attendees about their programs. “We like being a part of this event because of the direct relationship that this group of surfers has with this area and their generous outreach to help and inform others about what is going on in regards to the environment”, said Jerry Collamer of the Save Trestles organization.

This year’s program consisted of two competitive surfing areas that were judged simultaneously by two separate judging stations. This configuration enabled hundreds of contestants from over 18 Longboard Coalition Teams to be able to surf and work their way to the finals on Sunday afternoon.

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The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association has held the Gathering of the Tribes surf competition for more than 12 of years. This event marks the first competitive program of 2008 for the Coalition of Surfing Clubs and traditionally sets the tone for the coming year of club competition. This year’s program was no exception.

The Coalition of Surfing Clubs (CSC) is an international organization that represents the interests of surfing clubs throughout California and the world. It acts as a united voice to address issues related to coastal water quality, beach access, development, and legislative policy. The Coalition represents over 10,000 surfers of all ages and exists for the betterment of the citizenship of the surfer, to improve clean water locally and globally and to promote the sport of surfing.

The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association is an organization comprised of individuals dedicated to the enjoyment of board surfing in a clean and natural environment. In relation to that philosophy, the DLSA will act as a support group to other organizations with similar views and objectives. For more information visit the Doheny clubs website at www.dohosurf.org or contact Denny Michael at dlsa10@hotmail.com

Storm Delay

Southern California storm delays Gathering of the Tribes longboard

event one week

Doheny Longboard Surfing Associations 12th Annual Gathering of the Tribes Longboard Surf Festival moves to January 12^th – 13^th, 2008.

SAN ONOFRE, Calif. – A large storm system that will swept through Southern California this weekend has delayed the 12^th annual longboard event for one week. When the program resumes on the week of January 12th the Doheny Longboard Surfing Association is set to rack up another in a long line of firsts when the classic longboard event sets off the Coalition of Surfing Clubs 2008 competitive season. The event will offer a mix of spectacular competitive longboarding, a variety beach activities and support of several worthwhile charities.

Held at the beginning of the year the Gathering of the Tribes contest features two competitive surfing areas at Church Beach in San Onofre, Calif. The event will be judged simultaneously by two separate judging stations. This configuration enables more than 350 contestants from more than 18 Longboard Coalition Teams to be able to battle their way to the finals which will be held in the afternoon on Sunday January 13th, 2008. The number of competitors makes this event the largest 2 day longboard event on the west coast.

In 2007 more than 350 competitors and their families enjoyed the rural sitting of Church Beach, home to one of the premier point breaks in California. The surfing showcased a combination of traditional longboard styles along with newer more progressive moves. This event sets the tone for the coming year of club competitions. “We are excited again this year to host the beginning of the 2008 club series and are looking forward to this years competition” said Jack Sutter, President of the Doheny club.

The Coalition of Surfing Clubs (CSC) is an international organization that represents the interests of surfing clubs throughout California and the world. It acts as a united voice to address issues related to coastal water quality, beach access, development, and legislative policy. The Coalition represents more than 10,000 surfers of all ages and exists for the betterment of the citizenship of the surfer, to improve clean water locally and globally and to promote the sport of surfing.

The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association is an organization comprised of individuals dedicated to the enjoyment of board surfing in a clean and natural environment. In relation to that philosophy, the DLSA will act as a support group to other organizations with similar views and objectives. For additional information contact Denny Michael at dlsa10@hotmail.com

12th Annual Gathering of the Tribes to be held at Church Beach

DOHENY LONGBOARD SURFING ASSOCIATION SPONSORS LARGEST WEST COAST LONGBOARD COMPETITION ON RECORD

12th Annual Gathering of the Tribes Longboard Surf Festival begins January 5^th – 6^th, 2008.

SAN ONOFRE, Calif. – Jan 2, 2008 –The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association is set to rack up another in a long line of firsts when the classic 12-year-old “Gathering of the Tribes” longboard event sets off the Coalition of Surfing Clubs 2008 competitive season. The event will offer a mix of spectacular competitive longboarding, a variety beach activities and support of several worthwhile charities.

Held over the first weekend of the New Year the Gathering of the Tribes contest features two competitive surfing areas at Church Beach in San Onofre, Calif. The event will be judged simultaneously by two separate judging stations. This configuration enables more than 350 contestants from more than 18 Longboard Coalition Teams to be able to battle their way to the finals which will be held in the afternoon on Sunday January 6^th, 2008. The number of competitors makes this event the largest 2 day longboard event on the west coast.

In 2007 more than 350 competitors and their families enjoyed the rural sitting of Church Beach, home to one of the premier point breaks in California. The surfing showcased a combination of traditional longboard styles along with newer more progressive moves. This event sets the tone for the coming year of club competitions. “We are excited again this year to host the beginning of the 2008 club series and are looking forward to this years competition” said Denny Michael, board member of the Doheny club.

The Coalition of Surfing Clubs (CSC) is an international organization that represents the interests of surfing clubs throughout California and the world. It acts as a united voice to address issues related to coastal water quality, beach access, development, and legislative policy. The Coalition represents more than 10,000 surfers of all ages and exists for the betterment of the citizenship of the surfer, to improve clean water locally and globally and to promote the sport of surfing.

The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association is an organization comprised of individuals dedicated to the enjoyment of board surfing in a clean and natural environment. In relation to that philosophy, the DLSA will act as a support group to other organizations with similar views and objectives. For additional information contact Denny Michael at dlsa10@hotmail.com

Land Yacht

Somewhere in Baja

There seems to be more trouble brewing down in Baja recently. This latest post via Surfline is among the many that they (and others) have been posting recently. I am not sure what the answer is, but it is distrubing to say the least.
http://www.surfline.com/surfnews/surfwire.cfm?id=12401

It's Coming...

Hawaiian Surf Forecast for O`ahu

FZHW50 PHFO 210500
SRFHFO

SURF ZONE FORECAST
NATIONAL WEATHER SERVICE HONOLULU HI
700 PM HST TUE NOV 20 2007

OAHU-
700 PM HST TUE NOV 20 2007

HIGH SURF ADVISORY FOR NORTH FACING SHORES EFFECTIVE TONIGHT AT MIDNIGHT

Surf along east facing shores will decrease to heights of 5 to 7 feet through Wednesday. Surf heights will be largest along north- facing beaches and reefs.

Surf along north facing shores will be 6 to 10 feet through tonight, increasing to 12 to 16 feet Wednesday.

Surf along west facing shores will be 2 to 4 feet through tonight, increasing to 6 to 8 feet Wednesday.

Surf along south facing shores will be 3 feet or less through Wednesday.

More on the Dale Velzy Surf Classic

Dale Velzy Classic and Luau: Summary and results from the OC Register

Huge thanks to Denny Michael from the Doheny Longboard Surfing Association for sending over this summary of the Dale Velzy Classic held last weekend:

It was a great sunny day with good surf as the Doheny Longboard Surfing Association ran its 18th annual Dale Velzy Classic at Doheny State Beach on Saturday.

The event boasted surfers ranging in age from eight to over 70. A great crowd of supporters framed the beach as each round of surfers began their respective heats.

The event, held over a nine hour period from 6:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., was filled with great surfing. Newly minted 70-year old Mickey Munoz won his first “70 and up” division riding a sponge board! This was just two weeks after his now legendary birthday party was held at the very same beach. With typical Munoz aplomb, he surfed better than ever.
However, some of the most incredible surfing of the day was the junior men and women age groups. They really ripped the two-to-three foot surf with flawless precision. Some of the crowds were so appreciative of their advanced surfing that during the hotly contested semis and finals, they were standing on the beach applauding their exceptional skills.

The Velzy family were in attendance during the luau and very appreciative of the event held in Dale’s honor. Polynesian dancers and a live band capped the fun-filled day of classic longboarding, tandem surfing and paddleboard racing.

Proceeds from the event are used to support the Doheny Longboard Surfing Association’s many charities.

The Doheny Longboard Surfing Association is an organization comprised of individuals dedicated to the enjoyment of board surfing in a clean and natural environment.

18th Annual Dale Velzy Classic & Luau Results:

Menehune Girls Junior Women
1st - Kirra Kehoe HBLC 1st - Marissa Barry DLSA
2nd - Becca Dunn DLSA 2nd - Lauren Nagn DLSA
3rd - Jesica Gale DLSA 3rd - Rachel Barry LBSC
4th - Page Edwards DLSA 4th - Danica Elberts DLSA
5th - Rachael Calkins DLSA
6th - Marisa Graham OLSC

Women Tandem
1st - Katie Calkins DLSA 1st - Mark & Debbie Gale DLSA
2nd - Cheryl McGregor DLSA 2nd - Clay & Kristen Huntington DLSA
3rd - Tracy Edwards DLSA 3rd - Mark Calkins & Sean Edwards DLSA
4th - Rachael Dunn DLSA 4th - Jans Baltgalvis& Cathy LBSC
5th - Rita Bandrick DLSA 5th - Kelly French & Emily Rule DLSA
6th - Jeanette Francis LBSC

Menehune Boys Junior Men
1st - Mason Klink DLSA 1st - Cole Robbins MSA
2nd - Dakota Faircloth LBSC 2nd - Alex Calkins DLSA
3rd - Eli Gillis DLSA 3rd - Max Dexter DLSA
4th - Brock Thomson 4th - Jarred Mell BC
5th - Bennett Jones 5th - Colin Emery DLSA
6th - Shon Thompson LBSC 6th - Bret Robbins MSA

Mens Senior Men
1st - Tyler Warren DLSA 1st - Mark Stewart LBSC
2nd - Buck Barry DLSA 2nd - Ryan Mota LBSC
3rd - Mike Siordia LBSC 3rd - Scott Sap DLSA
4th - Dustin Martnick TI 4th - Troy Sugg
5th - Clint Clemmens DLSA 5th - Erwin Cabala
6th - Shane Jones 6th - Shon Esparza LBSC

Master Grand Master
1st - Rubio Smith DLSA 1st - Mark Calkins DLSA
2nd - Pat Hines 2nd - Steve Stirrett DLSA
3rd - John Coshland DLSA 3rd - Bobby Knox DLSA
4th - Sam Gold LBSC 4th - Chuck McElvain DLSA
5th - Steve Tote LBSC 5th - Denny Michael DLSA
6th - Kio Son MSA 6th - Matt Albers NBSC

Legends Extreme Legends
1st - Sal Avila DLSA 1st - Mickey Munoz DLSA
2nd - Mike Dawson LBSC 2nd - George Carr MSA
3rd - Mike Swenson DLSA 3rd - Gary Stellar MSA
4th - Dick Whitehead DLSA 4th - Frayne Higgason MSA
5th - Bill Spurgeon NBSA 5th - Bill Bragg NBSA
6th - Bill Gray DLSA 6th - Russ Elwell

Paddle Race Junior Men Time
1st - Cole Robins & Alex Calkins 4:34 Tied for 1st overall
3rd - Shane Jones 4:43 2nd overall

Paddle Race Men Time
1st - Rubio Smith 4:56 4th overall
2nd - Jans Baltgalvis 4:57 5th overall
3rd - Mark Stewart 5:03 6th overall

Paddle Race Master Time
1st - Mark Calkins 4:48 3rd overall
2nd - Lance Erickson 5:04 7th overall
3rd - Ed (Dip) McMillen 5:29 8th overall

Paddle Race Women Time
1st - Kira Kehoe 5:53 9th overall
2nd - Jasmyn Morrow 6:49 10th overall

Club Finish
1st - Doheny Longboard Surfing Association
2nd - Long Beach Surfing Club
3rd - Malibu Surfing Association
4th - Newport Beach Surfing Association
5th - Huntington Beach Longboard Crew
6th - Blackies Classic
7th - Oceanside Longboard Surfing Club

Meanwhile down at the Ranch...

Mean while down at the Ranch....2

Photo: Denny Michael

Midget Smith Medical Fund

Midget Smith's Medical Fund

Well-known shaper, ASP judge & local surfing icon Midget Smith was recently diagnosed with cancer and is currently undergoing chemotherapy. Midget beat the disease 22 years ago & has been unable to obtain medical insurance since. With his ongoing treatments the medical bills are stacking up. Midget has touched the lives of many in & out of the water and this is our chance to give a little something back.

For those of you who don’t know who Midget Smith is he played a major part in the San Clemente progressive surfing movement. Midget was one of the heavy hitters that frequented the Pier back in the 70’s & 80’s. He has been shaping for over 30 years and for many of today’s top pros along the way. Andy Irons, Occy, Luke Egan, Martin Potter, Dane Kealoha, Ben Bourgeois, Shane Beschen, Chris and Pat Drummy & Travis Mellem are just a few on Midgets list of pro customs. Midget has also served as head judge for the ASP North America, Bud Tour, ASP World Longboard Tour, X Games, and National Surf League. Midget’s work as a judge is respected worldwide, and in his hometown of San Clemente he has long been revered as a surfing legend and mentor to many. Please give what you can so Midget can use his energy to beat his cancer without having to worry about his mounting medical bills.

For more information go to: http://www.active.com/donate/wsamidget

The Ride Home

Sunset at Old Mans

Coastal Scenery